The Regional Commission, in partnership Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, City of Roanoke, City of Salem, Roanoke County, and the Town of Vinton conducted an Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) analysis for the Roanoke Valley. The project was funded, in part, by a grant from the Water Quality Improvement Fund, Regional Grants Program provided by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and administered by the Virginia Department of Forestry. Additional UTC stakeholders included the Roanoke Valley Urban Forestry Council and the Roanoke Valley Governors School.

The Roanoke Valley UTC project study generally area includes the “urbanized” areas of the Roanoke Valley and covers all of the cities of Roanoke and Salem, and the Town of Vinton, and portions of Roanoke County. Roanoke Valley UTC Analysis Study Area Map

The Roanoke Valley UTC Analysis project utilized National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) aerial photography, Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, and other spatial data to classify land cover in the study area into the following categories: tree canopy; non-tree vegetation; non-building impervious; buildings; and water. UTC data is available to assist participating localities and stakeholders in setting urban tree canopy goals, complement existing urban forestry plans, and support initiatives to promote increased urban tree canopy in the study area.